Alex Sarr took an unconventional route to becoming an NBA lottery draft pick.
The Washington Wizards forward starred for the National Basketball League’s Perth Wildcats before he was selected second overall in the NBA draft in June. Before his time in Australia, the big man from Toulouse, France, spent two years playing for Overtime Elite, an Atlanta-based league which pays high schoolers six-figure salaries.
Sarr’s route to the NBA represents a growing trend. International and American prospects increasingly enter the league without taking the traditional NCAA route as other options have become available.
Sarr was one of four Frenchmen drafted in the first round including top overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. He’s part of the resurgence of star French players in the NBA led by San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, which coincides with the league’s initiatives to grow its presence in France through various grassroots programs.
The 7-foot international prospect joined Business Beyond the Game to discuss his journey and how he believes every prospect must find what works best for them. He also touched on his own basketball pedigree—the brother of Oklahoma City Thunder center Olivier Sarr and son of former pro Massar Sarr—and how their guidance has helped his preparation as he begins his NBA career.
For more episodes of Business Beyond the Game, check out Sportico’s YouTube page.
